Spaying is a surgical procedure that achieves surgical sterilization in female dogs, preventing them from getting pregnant. After the surgery, your dog will receive many health benefits, including a reduced risk of uterine infection and mammary cancer. Here is what to expect after spaying your dog:

• Recovery: Your dog may need to spend the night under veterinary supervision, and pain medication can be given if needed. After the surgery, your dog may be groggy and not want to eat for a day or two, which is normal. Its important not to force any meals during this time. Your dog may also cough after surgery due to irritation caused by the anesthesia tube.

• Activity restriction: Strict activity restriction is necessary following spay surgery. Activities like running, jumping, and playing can result in stitches failing, bleeding, pain, and other post-surgical problems. Restrict your pet’s post-spay activity for 10–14 days, according to your veterinarian’s instructions.

• Incision care: Monitor your dogs spay incision area daily for signs of swelling, discharge, bleeding, or any other problems. If youre noticing any concerning symptoms, be sure to contact your veterinarian. Most spay incisions are fully healed within about 10–14 days, which coincides with the time that stitches or staples, if any, will need to be removed.

• Changes in behavior: After the procedure, it’s normal for dogs to have low energy and feel lethargic. They may cry or moan a little and might just feel like sleeping. It often takes a day or two for pets to feel like themselves again. Some dogs may become calmer after the surgery, while others will bounce right back to their usual personalities after recovery.

• Signs of complications: Look out for redness, swelling, and seepage around the incision, which are tell-tale signs of infection. If you see any other symptoms that concern you, don’t hesitate to contact your veterinarian.